When the United Nations analyzed 174 countries (including Hong Kong ) in 2000 to assess their "quality of life," three of the four "Little Dragons" of Asia (Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan ) ranked in the top 15 percent. Hong Kong placed ahead of South Korea and just behind Singapore ( Taiwan was not listed). This favorable rating might surprise many people who see Hong Kong as an overcrowded, polluted city with no space to expand. But the UN's statistics show that Hong Kong is doing a good job of meeting the needs of its residents. According to the report, the city provides its "citizens [the ability] to lead a long and healthy life; to acquire knowledge; and to have access to a decent standard of living."

Life in Hong Kong

Whenever people talk about life in Hong Kong, two major characteristics stand out: endless construction...